vassal

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal

n. a person or a country that is controlled by or depends on a more powerful one.

n. a person, organization, or nation that is subordinate or subservient to another.

“The smaller country became a vassal of its powerful neighbor to avoid being invaded.”

“Critics argued that the trade agreement effectively turned the smaller nation into a corporate vassal, stripped of its economic sovereignty.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary

adj. acting like a servant or being in a lower position than someone else.

adj. having the status of a vassal; characterized by submission or subservience.

“The dictator expected a vassal-like loyalty from all his ministers.”

“The treaty established a vassal relationship between the two territories, ensuring the dominant power controlled all foreign policy.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary

v. to put someone or something in a position where they are controlled by another.

v. to reduce to the position of a vassal; to subject to the control of a superior power.

Español:avasallar

“The empire sought to vassal the surrounding tribes through debt and military threats.”

“By controlling the region's water supply, the corporation managed to effectively vassal the local government.”